After returning home, Nanima prepared lunch for herself and Ranav. As usual, Ranav assisted by helping with small tasks like chopping vegetables or setting the table. Once everything was ready, they sat together to eat.
"What are you planning to focus on? becoming a mage like me, or pursuing body training?" Nanima asked between bites. "Or will you double your workload and attempt both?"
"I plan to do both," Ranav replied confidently. "But after reading the book you gave me; I have several questions. Can I ask them now, or should I wait until later?"
"We can talk while eating," Nanima said, gesturing for him to continue. "But I'll remind you again… I don't have much knowledge about body training. You'll have to rely on the book for guidance."
Ranav nodded and began explaining. "The book you acquired for me provides detailed steps for body training, at least in the early stages. According to it, I'm at the very first level. But the next step is Dantian Formation. It says the Dantian is where one stores mana. As a mage, you've never mentioned storing mana. How does that work?"
Nanima took a moment to respond. "That's a good question," she said. "We mages don't store large amounts of mana within our bodies. Instead, we use our internal mana as a spark. Once a spell is initiated, it draws natural mana from the environment to power itself. Over time, as our stars develop, our bodies naturally adapt to reserve more mana without needing a core or Dantian.
"That said, forming a Dantian shouldn't cause any problems for you. I've met mages from other countries who possess mana cores, and their spellcasting process is no different from ours."
"That's a relief," Ranav said, visibly relaxing. "The book explains that forming a Dantian requires using a breathing technique over a long period. However, the stronger the energy concentration during the formation, the better the resulting Dantian. The book suggests using a mana geyser, consuming mana pills, or using energy-rich fruits or herbs to speed up the process. Do you know of any mana geysers nearby?"
Nanima shook her head. "The closest mana geyser is in Prayag County, but all mana geysers are controlled by the kingdom. Mana stones are mined from them, so accessing one requires special permission."
Ranav's face fell slightly, but Nanima smiled. "You're in luck. A couple of years ago, I treated a merchant group that had been attacked by bandits. They were herb hunters venturing into the White Mountain Range. The leader was near death when I arrived and killed the bandits. After I saved him, he gave me his most valuable herb as thanks."
After finishing her meal, Nanima stood and motioned for Ranav to follow her into the lounge. From her storage ring, she retrieved a crystal container. Inside lay a delicate black flower.
"This is a Voidvine Flower," she said. "It grows in dark, mystical places where magic runs wild, such as deep mountain caves or areas where the borders between realms blur. It blooms only during a full lunar eclipse and withers as soon as the eclipse ends. Harvesting one is nearly impossible."
She paused before continuing. "If I open this container, the flower will wither within moments. It must be consumed immediately. Furthermore, it can only be safely used before puberty…. otherwise, it becomes deadly. Since it has no use for me, I'm giving it to you as a gift."
Ranav stared at the flower, awestruck.
"This flower will grant you immunity to all poisons, protection against curses and dark spells, increased physical resilience, and stronger mental fortitude. But its greatest benefit is its immense energy, perfect for forming a powerful Dantian," Nanima explained.
"However," she added, "there's a cost. Consuming the flower will strain your body to its limits. You'll feel as if your body is being torn apart and rebuilt. You'll experience unbearable pain and mental torment as your worst memories flood your mind. The good news is that it only lasts for a short time. But if your mental strength falters, you might fail to form your Dantian. The decision is yours."
Ranav didn't hesitate. "I can endure it. This is my best chance to form a strong Dantian. I won't waste it."
Nanima studied him, then nodded. "Very well. I'll be by your side to ensure your safety. Go home, pack an overnight bag, and inform your parents you'll be staying at my house. Meet me at the village shop when you're ready."
After informing his mother and packing a small bag, Ranav hurried to Nanima's shop. Together, they returned to her house, where Nanima began preparing for Ranav's Dantian formation.
"We'll begin after nightfall," she said. "For now, practice the breathing technique and get familiar with the Dantian formation process."
Ranav sat cross-legged and started his training. Using the Aikido Breathing technique, he directed energy to his lower abdomen, about two inches below his navel. He visualized a glowing sphere at that spot, trying to gather and store energy there. Some energy settled, but much of it scattered through his body.
Undeterred, Ranav continued practicing until sunset. When Nanima returned, she carried a large barrel. Setting it beside the pond, she chanted, "amanzi woza." Water from the pond surged through the air and filled the barrel.
Ranav watched in awe.
Nanima added several herbs from her storage ring into the water, then turned to Ranav. "Take off your clothes and get in," she instructed.
Ranav hesitated for a moment but complied, sitting cross-legged in the barrel. The water covered him up to his neck.
"Once you consume the flower, start forming your Dantian immediately," Nanima said. "You'll face pain, but I'll be here to ensure nothing goes wrong. When painful memories arise, counter them with happy ones. Focus on your loved ones. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Ranav replied, determination burning in his eyes.
"Good. Let's begin."
Nanima chanted, "amanzi kubanda." The water in the barrel began to cool rapidly, soon feeling ice-cold against Ranav's skin.
"Start your breathing now," she instructed, forcing the Voidvine Flower into his mouth.